B – Procedure in collective bargaining

PostedMarch 7, 2022

UpdatedMarch 8, 2022

ByAtty. Jericho Del Puerto

Summary

▪ In the context of labor relations, the employer and the workers’ bargaining unit has the duty to bargain collectively.

▪ There is a procedure to be followed in collective bargaining.

1. Concept

The duty to bargain collectively – means the performance of a mutual obligation to meet and convene promptly and expeditiously in good faith for the purpose of negotiating an agreement with respect to wages, hours of work and all other terms and conditions of employment including proposals for adjusting any grievances or questions arising under such agreement and executing a contract incorporating such agreements if requested by either party but such duty does not compel any party to agree to a proposal or to make any concession. (Article 263, Ibid.)

2. Procedure in Collective Bargaining

The following procedures shall be observed in collective bargaining:

1) When a party desires to negotiate an agreement, it shall serve a written notice upon the other party with a statement of its proposals. The other party shall make a reply thereto not later than ten (10) calendar days from receipt of such notice;

2) Should differences arise on the basis of such notice and reply, either party may request for a conference which shall begin not later than ten (10) calendar days from the date of request.

3) If the dispute is not settled, the Board shall intervene upon request of either or both parties or at its own initiative and immediately call the parties to conciliation meetings. The Board shall have the power to issue subpoenas requiring the attendance of the parties to such meetings. It shall be the duty of the parties to participate fully and promptly in the conciliation meetings the Board may call;

4) During the conciliation proceedings in the Board, the parties are prohibited from doing any act which may disrupt or impede the early settlement of the disputes; and,

5) The Board shall exert all efforts to settle disputes amicably and encourage the parties to submit their case to a voluntary arbitrator. (Article 261, P.D. 442, Labor Code)